Shows & Happenings

Get to Know: 9 Millenial Politicians to Watch For

Did you know that a good chunk of voters in the 2016 national elections are millennials, with the majority of them voting for the first time? On the other side of the coin, though, are the millenials who have gone past merely exercising their right to vote and have gone on to running for public office in the name of making our country a better place.

Get to know nine from the millenial political bunch who emerged victorious, and how they're planning on changing the game despite being younger than most in public office:

1. Vico Sotto (Councilor, District 1, Pasig City)

Vico cradling the children of some of his constituents.

The son of Vic Sotto and Coney Reyes is advocating for a stronger citizen participation in Pasig City’s local government, which involve crafting new laws and ordinances to proposing new services for the community. Citizen participation has been Vico's advocacy since being part of G-Watch (Government Watch) and the Political Democracy and Reforms, two government-oriented programs under the Ateneo School of Government (ASoG).

2. Sam Nantes (Vice Governor, Quezon Province)

Sam inspecting Quezon Province's vast greeneries.

Following the tragic death of his father, former Quezon Governor Raffy Nantes, in 2010, Sam stepped up to the challenge of good governance, staying true to his father’s values and beliefs by continuing the late Nantes' fight against corruption, his father'sReporma Para sa Nayon, a program focused on bringing development to the countryside, and his father's reputation as one of the most honest and down-to-earth politicians in the Philippines.

3. Jolo Revilla (Vice Governor, Cavite)

Jolo with fellow local government officials in Cavite.

While he has already been inactive in showbiz for a few years, Jolo has been busy with public office, implementing programs like his grassroots-oriented Jolo Cares social services program, which aims to promote education, health, and environment awareness. Receiving awards as an outstanding legislator, there's no doubt Jolo has been working hard in improving the lives of his constituents.

4. Migz Villafuerte (Governor, Camarines Sur)

Migz checking out one of the many tourist spots in Camarines Sur.

Camarines Sur is becoming more and more popular for wakeboarding and the beauty of the Caramoan Islands, but Migz will continue to promote and improve tourism in his province, in addition to providing basic services to his constituents and making Camarines Sur BPO industry-ready.

5. Janella Ejercito (Vice Mayor, San Juan City)

The eldest daughter of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has established herself as a hardworking politician, even at a young age, starting off with being a councilor in San Juan, prior to her win as vice mayor. Janella has already implemented programs focused on disaster preparedness, livelihood, and overall wellness benefitting the youth and senior citizens, among others.

6. Migz Magsaysay (Councilor, San Juan, La Union)

Migz with one of his constituents.

With San Juan now a popular surfing spot, part of Migz’s platform is improving its tourism further, while making sure the welfare of the surfing instructors and community in general, are looked after, along with creating livelihood programs for the residents.

7. Raissa Laurel (Councilor, District 1, San Juan City)

Raissa stretching before going for a run.

A survivor of the Bar Exam bombings in 2010, Raissa inspires people by making a difference in spite of her injuries. The former working law school student and intern at WHO in Geneva, Switzerland plans to continue her socio-civic work, and advocate for the needs of senior citizens and PWDs.

8. Martin Reyes (Councilor, Dasmarinas City, Cavite)

Martin with his wife, radio DJ Riki Flores-Reyes.

A former star player of the UP Fighting Maroons, Martin is a firm believer in the power of sports and how it can transform the lives of young people for the better. He wants to create sports programs for the youth in order to prepare them for bigger challenges, both in school and when finding work after graduation.

9. Phillip Kimpo Jr. (Councilor, Kalibo, Aklan)

An award-winning youth leader and former editor-in-chief of travel site Choose Philippines, Phillip wants to champion the youth’s involvement in Kalibo’s local government, along with promoting Philippine literature and tourism in his hometown.